What Every Scientist Should Know About Quality Professional Development Experiences for Teachers

The ongoing professional development of science teachers is vital to the success of science education. The role of scientists in the professional development of teachers is also essential. Myriad workshops for teachers of space and Earth science are offered, and many of them involve the participation of scientists, but how many of them live up to the qualities articulated in the National Science Education Standards for the professional development of teachers? How many of them are informed by the notable books on professional development and the roles scientists can and should play in the professional development of teachers? Drawing on resources like these, this paper will summarize the key elements of exemplary professional development experiences for science teachers, with an emphasis on the role of space and Earth scientists. The paper will also present a useful spectrum that identifies the value and attributes of different types of professional development experiences, from the pervasive 1-hour workshop at a conference to programs of successively longer duration.